Malaysia Airlines Plane Shot Down by Missile

Russ Jones | Christian Press | Updated: Jul 18, 2014

Malaysia Airlines Plane Shot Down by Missile

A Malaysian passenger airline with 283 passengers and 15 crew members aboard was shot down and crashed in rebel-controlled eastern Ukraine.

American officials believe the plane was shot down by a surface-to-air missile, but are yet to confirm who fired the missile. Ukrainian officials claim pro-Russian separatists are behind the attack.

The U.S. has called for an immediate investigation. According to Associated Press, currently no American citizens have been confirmed to be onboard the flight.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko contends the tragedy was a "terrorist action." Russian President Vladimir blames the crash on Ukraines military campaign.

Jim Denison, Ph.D., founder of the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture, says the tragic event has various implications on average citizens.

“If rogue elements now have the ability to shoot down civilian aircraft at altitude, the safety of the 8.2 million people who fly every day is in jeopardy,” Denison wrote in his daily blog.   

In a statement the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) says it grieves the tragic loss of life due to the crash.

“We offer our condolences to all the families and friends who have lost love ones,” says Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, Secretary General of the WEA.

“I am calling on our global family to pray for those who have lost family or friends as a result of the tragedy,” Dr. Tunnicliffe stated. “And once again we renew our call for prayer for Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in the region, that there be a peaceful and lasting solution.”

In the wake of yesterday’s tragic downing of Flight 17, a Boeing 777, author, apologist and culture expert Dr. Alex McFarland, said the deathly attack should serve as a wake-up call to U.S. leaders.

“America must be the leader in turning to the true God—as an example to the world,” McFarland said in a statement. “As a minister of the gospel, a student of the Bible, and as one who has followed present history and studied the past, let me say that we soon will have similar tragedies on American soil—if we do not turn to God soon.”

Publication date: July 18, 2014



Malaysia Airlines Plane Shot Down by Missile